LOI in Europe 2011

**Stevo Da Gull** · 18/08/2011, 8:31 PM

The players can be very proud of their efforts. After 436 minutes of European football Mick O'Neill finally let Rovers attack when he brought on Kilduff for Rice. In the remaining 13 minutes Rovers looked a diiferent side and really had Partizan on the ropes.

I'm not suggesting that he should have gone gung-ho, but it was great to see the change in style at the end. Hopefully they can still be in the games mid-way through the second half next week so they can do the same, though Partizan will be looking for a big win on the night.

**Mr Maroon** · 18/08/2011, 8:37 PM

I think Partizan will win the second leg comfortably. Rovers will rue those missed chances while they were on top tonight.

**Fester** · 18/08/2011, 8:38 PM

Great Result all the Same.

**Stevo Da Gull** · 18/08/2011, 8:42 PM

When is Oman back? Murray was exposed at times tonight.

**legendz** · 18/08/2011, 8:44 PM

Rovers did well tonight. Bit lucky only to be a goal down in the first half though but unlucky not to score more themselves in the second half. Drogheda United fell just short against Dynamo Kiev years ago with a 2-2 away draw. If Rovers can get a 2-2 draw next week, they'll get over the line. I think they've a chance. I can see them getting a goal. One other then might be needed to nudge through.

**freewheel30** · 18/08/2011, 8:47 PM

Wouldn't worry too much about the missed chances at the end myself - the Partizan away goal would have greatly devalued a second Rovers goal anyway. Going over there 2-1 up could have meant Rovers with their backs to the wall from the start in the second leg - the way it is now might see a cagier, less urgent start to the game, which could suit Rovers, who know they need to score a goal no matter what happens.

**gufct** · 18/08/2011, 8:56 PM

Fantastic performance from everyone tonight well done Rovers,

**DannyInvincible** · 18/08/2011, 8:59 PM

They've nothing to lose. Maybe the pressure being off in that sense might help in a way. Psychologically, it's much more preferable to come back from 1-0 down than to have been 1-0 up and then concede late on, even if Partizan did get an away goal. Tie certainly isn't over by any means just yet.

**Stevo Da Gull** · 18/08/2011, 9:08 PM

Also want to say, I thought the referee was great tonight. I thought he should have booked two Partizan players, but other than that he got most things spot on and the one decision he did get (horribly) wrong, he reversed - I assume on the advice of the linesman, which is great to see.

**holidaysong** · 18/08/2011, 9:18 PM

Seen this tweet from the PFAI's solicitor Stuart Gilhooly:

Another interesting nugget. If Derry qualify for Europe next year, which seems likely, they can't play. 3 yr ban for examinership by UEFA.

http://twitter.com/#!/DSBAPresident/...98948377841664

Any Derry fans able to confirm that this is true?

**Mr Maroon** · 18/08/2011, 9:26 PM

Originally Posted by holidaysong

Seen this tweet from the PFAI's solicitor Stuart Gilhooly:

http://twitter.com/#!/DSBAPresident/...98948377841664

Any Derry fans able to confirm that this is true?

I found this.

However, regardless of how the season concludes, there is a growing belief that Cork's place in European competition is out of their hands after going into examinership earlier this season, but there is little clarity as to exactly what will happen should they secure the final place.

Cork's case seemed to improve when an FAI source was recently quoted as reportedly saying they would back them with any appeal to UEFA should they be banned, with clubs like Leeds United and Coleraine already banned from European competition for three years after going into administration.

And Eoghan Rice, the league's Communications Executive, threw further light on the subject when he spoke exclusively to RT�.ie this week. He confirmed: 'Entering into examinership does not automatically preclude clubs from competing in European competition. UEFA's three-year ban applies only to clubs who are trading as new legal entities.'

That seems to suggest that as long as City do enough to secure a Premier Division licence from the FAI next January, they will be fully entitled to submit their application to compete in the UEFA Cup before the 31 March closing date.

He added: 'Clubs apply to the FAI for licences to compete in European competition. These licences are issued by the FAI in accordance with UEFA-approved regulations.'

This suggests that if Cork have their house in order before the closing date for applications for a Premier Division licence on 31 January, then their participation in the UEFA Cup, should they qualify, will be a formality.

**kdjaC** · 18/08/2011, 9:41 PM

Originally Posted by holidaysong

Seen this tweet from the PFAI's solicitor Stuart Gilhooly:

http://twitter.com/#!/DSBAPresident/...98948377841664

Any Derry fans able to confirm that this is true?

Hes a lovely chap so full of integrity and knowledge of his profession. Certainly wasnt him who advised Pats players to an illegal strike.

Anyhoo saints in Europe on a technicality

**legendz** · 18/08/2011, 9:45 PM

Was Derry's case examinership? Cork I think yes. Derry's was a case of demotion...???

**Hitman** · 18/08/2011, 9:53 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

For historical context, Irish sides have faced Serbian opposition 3 times (all Red Star - twice as Yugoslavian, once as Serbian), losing all 6 games, and yet to score a goal

I wish I could banish the memory of Denis Behan scoring Red Star's goal at the Cross, but I don't suppose that counts as the Irish team scoring.

**BonnieShels** · 18/08/2011, 9:56 PM

Originally Posted by kdjaC

Anyhoo saints in Europe on a technicality

Was just gonna say that myself!

No need for club suicide this year to get Ye over the line.

**mypost** · 18/08/2011, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Maroon

I'd love to be wrong, They'll probably lose both legs IMO.

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

don't look ever like scoring either.

Originally Posted by Mr Maroon

Great goal!!

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

great goal.

**Martinho II** · 18/08/2011, 10:19 PM

a massive well done to shamrock rovers.. I didnt realise that our record against yugoslav teams was ropey over the years but at least that Gary McCabe equaliser and draw puts that bad record to history! I think rovers have a strong chance if he keeps the same team as he ended up tonight..

**DannyInvincible** · 18/08/2011, 10:21 PM

Originally Posted by holidaysong

Seen this tweet from the PFAI's solicitor Stuart Gilhooly:

http://twitter.com/#!/DSBAPresident/...98948377841664

Any Derry fans able to confirm that this is true?

My brother was discussing this with me a few weeks ago and he seemed to think it was the case. He thinks he remembers having read something about it when Derry re-entered the First Division. Also, the team that Shakhter Karagandy replaced to get a place Europe, Lokomotiv Astana, were forbidden from competing in European competition this season due to a similar three-year ban/inability to obtain a UEFA licence. The club only came into existence in 2009.

**Acornvilla** · 18/08/2011, 10:21 PM

Hurray for the co efficient!

**Charlie Darwin** · 18/08/2011, 10:34 PM

Woeful start to the game - could have been 3 down within half an hour - but a really strong second half performance when Partizan were threatening to pass Rovers to death. That spell of Rovers pressure after about an hour seemed to knock the wind out of Partizan - they were huffing and puffing, though I thought the window for getting a goal had passed. Haven't seen McCabe's goal on TV yet (heard Brady said it was one of the best he's seen in years) but it looked amazing.

Second leg is still a huge, huge ask but if we can keep it scoreless til half time, anything's possible.